Many of you may think of the pioneer days as long ago and far away given the warp speed at which we multi-task with every electronic and mechanic gizmo available. But here in Wyoming there is a sort of time warp. Just a little over 100 years ago this territory was sparsely populated and still is with the state population around 500,000.



I just wanted to pay tribute to my neighbor Sindy, a real pioneer woman, whose birthday was this week. She has bravely gone where few women dare to go, trying to build a homestead on a high and windy hill with her two boys. Their view is fantastic, the boys are a hoot, their home is charming and her style is classic.



We share a common frustration with having to rely on men to construct and repair for us. We are not beyond putting some muscle to the task but, yes, we are the weaker sex physically. Services are hard to come by and follow up when you do engage someone to fix or remodel something may take months. I spent all spring and summer trying to find anyone who could pour a deck, replace the foggy windows and finally seal the sponge-like logs of this not so ancient (27 yr old)house. There must not be an economic crisis in Wheatland because there are plenty of contractors but calls to many answering machines elicit no response. So far the patio was completed this week and we had a new door and storm door to replace the drafty and rotted entrance from the deck.


Last night's firey sky seem to melt the landscape




Text and pictures © 2008 Mona E. Dunn